October 10 is observed as World Mental Health Day. This day aims to bridge the gap between the current state of mental health and awareness about it. On this day, we spoke to Dr Bhavna Barmi, HOD, Stress and Wellbeing Clinic at Fortis Group of Hospitals on how to ensure mental wellbeing and the importance of resilience in health mental. What does resilience mean in the context of mental health, and why is it important? Dr. Barmi: With over 2 decades as a clinical psychologist, my understanding of resilience is a client’s ability to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of adversity, trauma, and trauma. , stress or important challenges in life. It involves a dynamic process of emotional, psychological, and social adaptation that allows a person to maintain a sense of psychological well-being and functional capacity despite adverse circumstances. If I had to add more from a professional perspective, I have observed that resilience-building strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, stress management, and support networks, play a role. key in helping individuals improve their mental health. Recognizing the importance of resilience and actively working to develop it can lead to a more fulfilling and mentally healthy life. Can you share a personal or professional experience that highlights the importance of resilience in overcoming mental health challenges? Dr. Barmi: When working with clients, assessing the threshold of a person’s ability to cope with stressful situations will help you understand that I can certainly share examples from a professional perspective that illustrate The importance of resilience in overcoming mental health challenges:Post’s case -Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): I worked with a veteran who suffered from PTSD severe after combat experience. Despite intense psychological and emotional trauma, this individual demonstrated remarkable resilience. Through a combination of therapy, support networks, and coping strategies, they gradually regained their lives, managed their symptoms, and even began helping other veterans overcome their challenges. similar. Their journey shows the power of resilience in rebuilding mental health after profound trauma. Substance abuse recovery: Another example is a client who has struggled with substance abuse for many years. Despite multiple relapses and the physical and mental toll, they eventually recovered with amazing resilience. Their determination, along with therapy and a supportive environment, allowed them to achieve and maintain sobriety. This case highlights how recovery can lead to positive transformations in the face of addiction. Career Failure and Mental Health: I have worked with professionals who have faced significant career setbacks, such as job loss or stagnation, leading to feelings of worthlessness and depression . Through therapy and resilience-building techniques, many of them reframed their perspectives, regained their confidence, and in some cases, transitioned into more fulfilling careers. Their ability to recover and adapt is testament to the importance of resilience for mental health, especially when facing career challenges. Academic stress and students: I have counseled many students who are struggling with academic stress, anxiety, and performance pressure. People who cultivate resilience not only manage stress but also learn from failures. They view these experiences as opportunities to grow, ultimately achieving their academic goals while maintaining good mental health. These professional experiences emphasize that resilience is not about avoiding adversity but about developing the skills and mindset to effectively overcome challenges. It is a quality that helps individuals face mental health obstacles head-on, learn from them, and become stronger and more resilient than before. It is a vital component of recovery for many mental health conditions, showing that even in the face of profound difficulties, positive change and growth are possible. is through resilience. What are some common stressors or triggers that can impact mental health and how can individuals build resilience to deal with them?Dr. Barmi: Common stressors or triggers that can impact mental health include various events, circumstances, and daily challenges in life. Building resilience is key to dealing with these stressors effectively. Here are some common stressors and strategies for building resilience: Work-related stress: Stressors: High workload, deadlines, conflict, uncertainty okay at work. Build resilience: Manage time, set boundaries, seek support, practice stress reduction techniques like mindfulness. Relationship problems: Stressors: Conflicts with family, friends or partners. Build resilience: Effective communication skills, resolve conflicts, seek therapy or counseling when needed, maintain a support network. Financial pressure: Stress factors: Debt, financial instability, job loss. Build resilience: Budgeting, financial planning, seeking financial advice, exploring financial advice, exploring additional sources of income, managing expectations. Health challenges: Stressors: Illness, chronic health conditions, disability. Build resilience: Self-care habits, following medical advice, seeking emotional support, focusing on achievable goals. Loss and grief: Stress: Death of a loved one, divorce, separation. Building resilience: Grief counseling, support groups, allowing yourself to grieve, creating rituals for closure. Academic Pressure: Stressors: Exams, assignments, performance expectations. Build resilience: Manage your time, seek academic support, maintain a balanced schedule, practice stress reduction techniques. Major life transitions: Stressors: Relocation, marriage, parenthood, retirement .Building resilience: Planning, adapting to change, finding direction guidance or advice, stay connected to social networks. Traumatic events: Stressors: Natural disasters, accidents, violence. Build resilience: Treat trauma, seek professional help, build a strong support system, practice relaxation techniques. Social isolation: Stressors: Loneliness, lack of social connection. Build resilience: Actively seek out social interactions, join clubs or groups, volunteer, online support communities. Uncertainty and anxiety: Stress factors: Uncertainty about the future, generalized anxiety. Build resilience: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and relaxation practices, set achievable short-term goals. Discrimination and prejudice: Stressors: Race, gender, or other forms of discrimination. Build resilience: Seek support from advocacy groups, awareness, self-care strategies, education, and empowerment. Building resilience to address these stressors includes developing emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and a growth mindset. It also includes seeking professional help when needed, maintaining a support network, practicing self-compassion, and embracing adaptability. Resilience is a dynamic quality that can be cultivated over time and acts as an important buffer against the negative impact of stressors on mental health. How do people’s coping strategies differ, and what are some common effective techniques for managing stress and maintaining mental health?Dr. Barmi: Coping strategies really vary from person to person because they are influenced by the individual’s personality traits, experiences, and preferences. What works for one person may not be beneficial for another. However, there are some popular effective techniques for managing stress and maintaining mental health that can be adapted to suit individual needs. Here is an overview: Universal coping strategies: Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques can help individuals stay present, reduce anxiety, and improve well-being. overall mental health. This approach involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Physical activity: Regular exercise is known to reduce stress hormones and release endorphins, which naturally enhance mood. Different forms of physical activity, from walking to yoga to team sports, can be effective. Healthy lifestyle choices: Prioritizing a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol and drug use can have a positive impact on mental health and stress management. Social support: Maintaining strong social connections and seeking support from friends and family can be an invaluable coping strategy. Sharing your concerns and feelings with trusted people can help you decompress. Time management: Effective time management and setting realistic goals can reduce stress related to work or personal responsibilities. Time management techniques, such as scheduling and to-do lists, can be very helpful Journaling: Journaling to express thoughts and feelings can be a constructive way to process manage stressors and better understand one’s emotions. It provides an outlet for self-reflection and emotional release. Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization can help calm the body’s stress response and induce relaxation. Seek professional help: In cases of severe stress or mental health conditions, seeking the help of a mental health professional is commonly effective. Therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists can offer appropriate strategies and support. Individual differences in coping: While these universal techniques can be beneficial, it is essential to recognize that individuals have unique coping styles and preferences. Here’s how coping strategies may differ: Coping preferences: Some individuals may enjoy physical activities like jogging, while others may find solace in activities be creative like painting or playing music. Personality traits: Introverts may lean toward solitary activities, such as reading or gardening, to relieve stress, while extroverts may seek social interaction. Cultural factors: Cultural background can influence coping strategies. For example, meditation practices rooted in Eastern traditions may resonate more with some individuals. Past experiences: Past experiences, especially trauma, can shape an individual’s coping mechanisms. Some people may have developed adaptive strategies, while others may struggle with less effective coping mechanisms. Individual approach: Therapy can help individuals identify and develop coping strategies appropriate to their unique needs and circumstances. Ultimately, effective coping strategies are those that help an individual reduce stress and maintain mental well-being. It is essential to experiment with different techniques and seek professional guidance if needed to determine the coping strategies that best suit each person’s individual needs.
